Media Release | April 22, 2025
PHSC Media Relations/Communications
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host spring commencement on Thursday, May 8, in the Physical Fitness Center at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road. Two commencement ceremonies will honor graduates earning bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and certificates. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the afternoon commencement will begin at 3:30 p.m. The event live stream link will be available at phsc.edu/grad.
This year’s spring graduates include many ambitious and accomplished students who have been through numerous hurdles and adversity in pursuit of a higher education.
The student speakers for the ceremony are Kendall Childers and Sarah Summers, giving their remarks in the morning and afternoon, respectively.
Kendall Childers, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, is set to graduate from PHSC with her Associate of Science degree in nursing, earning her qualifications as a registered nurse. Childers is from Dunnellon, Florida, and moved to Tampa in 2020, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of South Florida. During her studies at USF, she learned her passion lay in nursing.
“Choosing to attend Pasco-Hernando State College’s Registered Nurse program was an easy decision, thanks to the program’s strong reputation and the supportive learning environment. I’m incredibly thankful for the knowledge, guidance, and clinical experiences I’ve gained throughout my time at PHSC,” Childers said.
She is moving forward with her career goals and has already accepted a position at Tampa General Hospital, where she plans to work in the transplant unit. At the same time, she is planning to continue her education this fall at PHSC to earn her Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Sarah Summers, East Campus, is a dual-enrollment student from Zephyrhills High School. She has been in dual enrollment since her sophomore year, but this last year she became the collegewide president for Phi Theta Kappa and the secretary in the Student Government Association at PHSC.
“I have learned a lot through these programs, and it is an honor to be a commencement speaker,” Summers said.
Jakiara Willis, East and West Campus, is graduating with a career certificate in phlebotomy. Willis is a returning student, after having to pause her education when she was 19 to take care of her mother, who had been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Now, at 30 years old, she promised both her mother and grandmother to continue her education.
“PHSC made it worth it; my professor, Ms. Crystal, and my classmates were all amazing. The class dynamic was so helpful, with everyone sharing their ideas and points of views,” Willis said. Willis ultimately chose to re-engage her education journey, starting with phlebotomy, because she wanted to walk in her grandmother’s footsteps, who made a career in phlebotomy. Ultimately, Willis’s education and career goals don’t end there, as she plans to continue her education to become a medical lab scientist, working on developing a cure and treatment plan for Crohn’s disease. “I’m a child of a parent who’s struggling, seeing my own mother go through this has given me a resolve to give back and help. I dedicate my experiences and goals to my mother, and if there’s even just one person I can help, it makes a difference,” Willis said. She is still planning out her options for the continuation of her education and is determined to make progress in her field.
Logan Lutz, West Campus, is graduating with an Associate in Science degree in health care administration.
“It’s not just about books, lectures, and studying. College is where you learn who you are, what you want to accomplish, and how to keep going when things get tough,” Lutz said. After graduating from PHSC, Lutz is excited to keep building on top of his educational success by earning his Bachelor of Science in health care administration. “I’ve always had a passion for
helping others and creating systems that work better for everyone, especially in health care. This next step brings me closer to a career where I can truly make an impact,” Lutz said.
Harlee Wilson, West Campus, is graduating dual enrollment with an Associate in Arts degree alongside her high school diploma. Wilson started at PHSC as a sophomore in high school and is now graduating as a senior at the same time as getting her AA.
“PHSC has been a big part of my growth over the past three years and has set me up for success in my future,” Wilson said, “PHSC truly wants its students to succeed, and it is shown throughout the campus. I am grateful to be a PHSC alumnus.”
Wilson is continuing her education at USF, where she is going into the biomedical sciences to become a forensic pathologist. Her educational goals are to be accepted into the 7-year BS/MD program that USF offers.
Amaya Beebe, West Campus, is graduating dual enrollment with an Associate in Arts degree alongside her high School diploma. “My best decision was to do dual enrollment. PHSC has been super welcoming and helpful, and my instructors have made the process super smooth,” Beebe said. After graduation, Beebe plans to move to Boston to attend Suffolk University to study her undergrad in politics with a major in global cultural studies.
Ruth Greenhaw, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, is graduating dual enrollment with an Associate in Arts degree Magna Cum Laude alongside her high School diploma.
“I had a very good experience at PHSC for my dual enrollment, and I’m glad I did it. The process was pretty smooth and helped set me up for my next educational step,” Greenhaw said. She plans on continuing her education, but is undecided on the path.
Samuel Wu, West Campus, is graduating dual enrollment with an Associate in Arts degree alongside his high school diploma. On top of getting both his AA and high School degree, Wu is graduating valedictorian at his high school this spring.
“Earning my degree while still in high school has really helped me jumpstart my college experience. Earning my AA allows me to go right into my major, having already covered all my general education and prerequisites,” said Wu. “I can dive deep into what I’m really interested in.” Wu is planning on attending the University of Florida, pursuing his college experience with advanced coursework.
Juan Caraballo, West Campus, is graduating with his Associate of Science in digital media/multimedia technology.
“My academic journey so far has been great, I have learned a lot of things that have helped me improve my photography business as well as develop skills that will make me very competitive in the job market,” Caraballo said. As a veteran, Caraballo had a concern going back to school, but found success. “Michelle Bearden has been a major part of my success in school as she has been helping me transition back into college as well as getting my previous college credits approved and making sure that my plans are all set,” Caraballo said.
Other graduation speakers include, in both sessions: PHSC President Jesse Pisors, Ed.D.; District Board of Trustees Chair Marilyn Pearson-Adams; and Emergency Medical Programs Professor and President of Faculty Senate David Sullivan, Ph.D. The morning and afternoon ceremonies will include a charge to the graduates by speakers, respectively, Florida State Senator District 23 Danny Burgess; and Chancellor of the Florida College System Kathy Hebda, and alumni remarks, respectively, by Chief Revenue Officer of Black Innovation Alliance, Prinicpal, Inovo Strategic Consulting, Tammy M. Charles, MBA; and District Board of Trustees Vice Chair and Partner, Johnson, Newlon & DeCort P.A., Nicole Newlon, J.D.
Approximately 490 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the ceremonies, with more than 900 students estimated to be eligible for graduation this semester.
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